Rep. Kelly Introduces Gun Safety Bill with Reps. Carson, McBath

WASHINGTON — Today, Reps. Robin Kelly (IL-02), André Carson (IN-07) and Lucy McBath (GA-06) introduced the Gun Safety Incentive Act. The bill promotes safe gun storage practices by providing a federal tax credit for individuals who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices.

This incentive supports gun owners who take steps to store their firearms safely – an action proven to reduce the risk of accidents, suicides, and theft. Three out of every four children under the age of 10 live in a household with a firearm. More than a third of these children have reported personally handling an unsecured gun in the home.

"Safe storage is a simple, commonsense practice, and Congress should absolutely incentivize gun owners to secure their guns away from curious children," said Rep. Kelly, Vice Chair of the Gun Violence Prevention Task Force. "Reminding gun owners to safely store their weapons is no different from reminding drivers to put on a seat belt — it saves lives. Safe storage is foundational to responsible gun ownership and prevents suicides, unintentional shootings, and stolen guns."

“Any discussion of public safety in Indianapolis and across the country must include commonsense gun safety reforms that everyone can support,” said Rep. Carson. “As a former law enforcement officer, I know that responsible gun ownership means responsible gun storage. By providing a tax credit, my bill incentivizes safe gun storage to lower the risk of accidents, suicides, and youth access to guns. As Dean of the Indiana Congressional Delegation, I invite all Hoosier lawmakers to join me in making our communities safer.”

“After my son Jordan was shot and killed, I made a promise to turn my pain into purpose and save American lives," said Rep. McBath. "No parent and no family should have to endure the heartbreak of losing a loved one to gun violence — especially from a weapon stored carelessly at home. The Gun Safety Incentive Act empowers gun owners with the tools they need to store their firearms responsibly. Safe storage saves lives, and this legislation brings us one step closer to protecting every family from feeling the pain that mine has.”

The Gun Safety Incentive Act would:

• Establish a 10% tax credit on certified firearm safes and storage devices through 2030 for those who purchase certified firearm safes and secure storage devices;
• Direct the Department of Justice (DOJ) to establish voluntary best practices for safe firearm storage and to publish online and in print for public accessibility;
• Impose labeling requirements on specified handgun, rifle, and shotgun manufacturers to provide a clear and conspicuous notice on packaging that says, “Safe Storage Saves Lives” along with the address of the public website providing best practices established by the DOJ; and
• Provide grant funding for the development, implementation, and evaluation of Safe Firearm Storage Assistance Programs, community-based efforts that promote secure storage practices through education, outreach, and local partnerships.